Before clearing a property for sale or purchase, a lawyer conducts legal due diligence to ensure it’s free from disputes, encumbrances, or fraud.
Key Documents Lawyers Verify:
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Title Deed: Confirms legal ownership and checks for clarity in ownership history
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Sale Deed: Validates the last transaction and ensures it’s properly registered
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Encumbrance Certificate (EC): Checks for loans, mortgages, or legal claims
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Property Tax Receipts: Ensures no pending dues with the municipality
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Approved Building Plan: Confirms construction matches sanctioned layout
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Completion & Occupancy Certificates: Verifies legal construction and habitability
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Mutation Records: Confirms property is updated in revenue records
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NOCs: From fire, water, electricity, and environment departments
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Power of Attorney (if applicable): Ensures it’s specific, registered, and valid
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Will / Partition / Gift Deeds: For inherited or gifted properties—checks for clarity and consent
What Lawyers Also Do:
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Cross-check ownership on state land portals
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Flag any title disputes, encroachments, or missing approvals
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Issue a legal opinion stating whether the property is safe to buy
